popular articles

Lydian accelerates innovation with a CO2-based sustainable aviation fuel technology demonstration

Lydian takes a strategic step forward by demonstrating a technology that uses captured CO2 and renewable electricity to produce sustainable aviation fuel, addressing both civil market demands and critical military needs.

Please share:

The energy and aviation industries are searching for pragmatic solutions to address rising energy costs and supply chain security challenges. In this context, Lydian has demonstrated a major technological advancement by producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from captured CO2. This process is based on a *power-to-liquids* (PtL) technology that combines carbon dioxide, water, and renewable electricity to create a product compatible with existing fossil fuel standards.

This demonstration, conducted at a pilot facility in North Carolina, produces up to 25 gallons of fuel per day. Although modest in scale, this pilot project highlights the viability of a solution that could transform energy supply chains in a sector heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Unlike biofuels, PtL processes do not require significant agricultural resources, which could be a game-changer in the context of national and industrial energy strategies.

A strategic opportunity for the military

Lydian’s technological innovation has also caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense. Through the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) ExCURSion program, the company secured funding to develop a mobile and autonomous fuel production system. This prototype could address critical energy needs in remote or unstable regions.

According to data from the 2023 Annual Energy Performance Report by the Department of Defense, more than 70 million barrels of fuel are consumed annually to support global military operations. The ability to produce sustainable fuel locally would not only lower operational costs but also enhance energy resilience for military forces in complex geopolitical environments.

Challenges and prospects for civilian markets

On the commercial front, Lydian plans to deploy an industrial demonstration plant by 2027, aiming for large-scale production of 20 million gallons annually by 2030. This growth strategy is supported by a high-caliber scientific team, including researchers from prestigious institutions like NASA and MIT.

However, transitioning to large-scale commercial production is not without challenges. The high cost of alternative fuels compared to subsidized fossil fuels remains a barrier. Nevertheless, increased public-private partnerships and stronger political will could accelerate the adoption of these technologies in global energy strategies.

For the aviation industry, the modularity and energy efficiency offered by Lydian’s PtL processes represent an opportunity to diversify supply chains and address growing economic and geopolitical pressures. These solutions pave the way for localized production, mitigating vulnerabilities associated with globalized supply chains.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Höegh Evi and Aker BP receive DNV approval for next-generation CO₂ carrier

Höegh Evi and Aker BP received Approval in Principle from DNV for a maritime carrier designed to transport liquefied CO₂ to offshore storage sites in Norway.
Norne and the Port of Aalborg begin construction of a 15 mn tonne per year CO2 terminal, supported by an EU grant.
Norne and the Port of Aalborg begin construction of a 15 mn tonne per year CO2 terminal, supported by an EU grant.
The Lagos State government has launched a programme to deploy 80 million improved cookstoves, generating up to 1.2 billion tonnes of tradable carbon credits.
The Lagos State government has launched a programme to deploy 80 million improved cookstoves, generating up to 1.2 billion tonnes of tradable carbon credits.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.

U.S. Carbon Black Market: Growing Uncertainty Amid Industrial Tensions

In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
European and UK carbon markets paused this week as participants await clarity on future integration of both emissions trading systems.
European and UK carbon markets paused this week as participants await clarity on future integration of both emissions trading systems.
A consortium led by European Energy has secured prequalification for a Danish carbon capture and storage project in Næstved, aiming to remove 150,000 tons of CO₂ per year under a national subsidy programme.
A consortium led by European Energy has secured prequalification for a Danish carbon capture and storage project in Næstved, aiming to remove 150,000 tons of CO₂ per year under a national subsidy programme.
The joint project by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Vestforbrænding is among ten initiatives selected by the Danish Energy Agency for public carbon capture and storage funding.
The joint project by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Vestforbrænding is among ten initiatives selected by the Danish Energy Agency for public carbon capture and storage funding.

One Exchange launches OX CO₂, a new platform for carbon trading

Canadian broker One Exchange partners with Stephen Avenue Marketing to create OX CO₂, a carbon trading platform combining digital technology and human expertise.
Russia has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) challenging the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), deeming it discriminatory and protectionist towards its strategic commodity exports.
Russia has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) challenging the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), deeming it discriminatory and protectionist towards its strategic commodity exports.
BP recommends extending the UK emissions trading system through 2042 and calls for alignment with the European market while supporting the inclusion of carbon removals in the scheme.
BP recommends extending the UK emissions trading system through 2042 and calls for alignment with the European market while supporting the inclusion of carbon removals in the scheme.
Aker takes over Aker Carbon Capture’s stake in SLB Capturi for NOK635mn, ahead of a NOK1.7bn distribution and company dissolution.
Aker takes over Aker Carbon Capture’s stake in SLB Capturi for NOK635mn, ahead of a NOK1.7bn distribution and company dissolution.

Enagás and Calcinor join forces to capture up to 900,000 tonnes of CO2

The partnership aims to develop a full logistics chain for CO2 capture, transport, liquefaction and storage, focused on Calcinor’s industrial operations.
In response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the world's leading oil companies are significantly boosting their investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, reshaping their industrial and financial strategies.
In response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the world's leading oil companies are significantly boosting their investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, reshaping their industrial and financial strategies.
HYCO1 and Malaysia LNG Sdn. Bhd. have signed a memorandum of understanding for a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and utilization project in Bintulu, Malaysia, aiming to transform 1 million tons of CO2 per year into low-emission syngas.
HYCO1 and Malaysia LNG Sdn. Bhd. have signed a memorandum of understanding for a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and utilization project in Bintulu, Malaysia, aiming to transform 1 million tons of CO2 per year into low-emission syngas.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCU) technologies are gaining traction in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, offering innovative and economically viable solutions. The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies report explores these new pathways.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCU) technologies are gaining traction in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, offering innovative and economically viable solutions. The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies report explores these new pathways.

Australian Elections: Carbon Market Braces for Major Political Shock

The outcome of Australia's elections could redefine national carbon market regulations, potentially triggering significant shifts in emissions reduction policies, directly impacting local carbon credit prices (ACCU).
According to the latest data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, voluntary carbon markets experienced a significant contraction, with renewable credit retirements dropping by 34% in March and issuances decreasing by half.
According to the latest data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, voluntary carbon markets experienced a significant contraction, with renewable credit retirements dropping by 34% in March and issuances decreasing by half.
Telecom operators and data centres recorded a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, diverging from the national decline reported during the same year.
Telecom operators and data centres recorded a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, diverging from the national decline reported during the same year.
Fidelis Infrastructure has entered a 15-year agreement with Microsoft to supply biomass-based carbon capture solutions in Baton Rouge, marking the world’s largest permanent carbon removal transaction to date.
Fidelis Infrastructure has entered a 15-year agreement with Microsoft to supply biomass-based carbon capture solutions in Baton Rouge, marking the world’s largest permanent carbon removal transaction to date.

Gevo signs offtake deal with Future Energy Global for SAF-related carbon credits

Gevo and Future Energy Global have signed a multi-year agreement covering carbon credits from sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the construction of a new production facility in the United States.
In Brasilia, China and India urged BRICS members to resist carbon taxes and trade measures imposed without international consensus, calling for stronger existing multilateral frameworks.
In Brasilia, China and India urged BRICS members to resist carbon taxes and trade measures imposed without international consensus, calling for stronger existing multilateral frameworks.
Subsea7 has been awarded a major contract by Equinor for Phase 2 of the Northern Lights project, involving the installation of a CO2 pipeline offshore Norway, with operations scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Subsea7 has been awarded a major contract by Equinor for Phase 2 of the Northern Lights project, involving the installation of a CO2 pipeline offshore Norway, with operations scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Driven by investment in low-carbon technologies, the global decarbonisation market is expected to reach $4.7tn by 2033, according to Allied Market Research, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.
Driven by investment in low-carbon technologies, the global decarbonisation market is expected to reach $4.7tn by 2033, according to Allied Market Research, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.

Advertising